Tis (usually) the season to layer up on the foundation – not this time apparently!
Much to our dismay, a full coverage base is not making a comeback this Autumn/Winter and instead we are to put emphasis on making our real skin look good enough to go bare. To clarify, this means bare of heavy foundation but by no means does it mean to go without products.
If anything we are to really fine-tune our skincare regimens to allow us to go au naturelle in the skin department. This is complex stuff, kids. Sit tight because I’ve got a few years experience of battling with my own pores and a cleanser shaped hole in my pocket that will make you all the wiser when it comes to the dealing with the dermis.
Cleansing
This is quite possibly the most important step of all, trying to moisturize and tighten skin that has a layer of blockage and dead skin over it is a bit like beating a dead horse. We’re actually supposed to double cleanse, and no, an extra scrubbing with an alcohol soaked makeup wipe isn’t going to cut it. A gel cleanser is needed to lift some of that oil and dirt that makes itself at home on our faces, gel is good for this as it melts into a cleansing oil that’s thin enough to get into all those pesky pores. French natural cosmetics giants, L’Occitane, have some beautiful cleansers infused with provincial aromas like lemon, angelica and daisy all packed with essential oils for a deep clean. A personal favourite of mine is the Angelica Cleansing Gel, it smells lovely and earthy and leaves my skin velvety soft. Almost all L’Occitane products are available in sample size for half the price although they certainly are an investment buy if you choose to go full size.
Your second method of cleansing should be in the form of a micellar water. The French really know their stuff when it comes to skin care so it’s no surprise that French ladies have been using micellar water to gain a gentler yet more effective clean that combatted the effects of hard water in gay Paris – quelle horreur! La Roche-Posay ‘s own Effaclar Micellar Water is a cleanser specifically adapted to suit the needs of oily and sensitive skin by being completely free of soaps and alcohol. The tiny micelle particles, suspended in a nourishing spring water get to work lifting away anything that your gel cleanser left behind. This is a godsend when you’re in a rush as the no rinse formula sweeps up even the most longwearing makeup in a single wipe. If you’re really watching the pennies, fear not, high street beauty gurus B. sell them for only £4.99. Ooh la la.
If you feel like you need something with a little more punch but won’t beat up your dermis, try a no rinse formula cleansing oil. Sometimes you feel like you need to be able to feel the grime of the day being wiped away, gentle is not always best for everybody. If you have dry skin and you want to get some nourishing moisture into those pores while simultaneously sweeping sebum away then DHC Cleansing Oil is a must try. DHC is a beloved brand used by makeup artists to create a blank canvas before applying a base using a delicate blend of rosemary leaf oil, olive oil and vitamin E: simply massage it in with your hands and wipe away with a microfiber cloth. If you are tackling a bit of a shine problem, don’t worry there are oils that work for you too without adding to the problem. Shu Uemura’s Skin Purifier Porefinist AntiShine Fresh Cleansing Oil (bit of a mouthful!) prevents excess sebum production with the addition of cinnamon bark and a mildly exfoliating cherry extract provides it with a warm fruity scent – it may be tempting but please let your skin do all the drinking.
I warned you, edge of your seat stuff. I couldn’t possibly reveal the toning tips I have in store for you just yet as I suddenly have the urge to do all of the above. Keep your eyes peeled for next week’s teachings on toner.